Instagram users can now share secret Stories; more new features incoming

Instagram has announced four new features for the platform. These are mostly sticker-based features for Stories. One of the notable features is the ability to share a blurred photo, which your followers can only view once they DM you. Instagram’s main aim behind this feature is to increase user engagement on the app. In addition to this, there’s a new music template feature, a Frames feature, and the sticker cutouts feature, which is now rolling out to a wider audience.

Story Reveal

Starting with an interesting feature that Instagram calls the “Reveal.” The feature lets you post a hidden story, a blurred-out image, that your friends and followers can uncover by messaging you in DMs.

Step 1: To use the feature, head to the camera section by swiping from left to right.

Step 2: Select a photo that you want to post as a hidden story.

Step 3: Once you select a photo, you should be prompted with the new Reveal sticker icon. Or, you can find it by tapping on the sticker button at the top. You should see the feature in the pop-up. Tap on it.

Step 4: You will now have to put a message, letting followers know what’s hidden. Then, tap on Done.

Step 5: Lastly, Tap the share button that looks like an arrow.

Frames

Another interesting feature that Instagram showcased sometime back is now available to everyone. The feature lets you post a story with a Polaroid overlay, the vintage white frame. But what’s interesting here is that users need to shake their phone to uncover the image, just like you’d do with actual Polaroid pictures.

Step 1: Swipe from left to right in the Instagram app from the home screen to visit the camera section.

Step 2: Select a photo from the gallery to use it as a background.

Step 3: Now, tap on the sticker icon on the top.

Step 4: Select Frames and it should prompt you to select a photo for the frame. Select one from the gallery.

Step 5: Add a caption. Tap on done.

Step 6: Share it by tapping on the arrow.

Now, your followers can shake to view the image in the frame.

Add Yours Music

Instagram is rolling out a new music template sticker that lets you share your favourite music. It will also allow others to add their own favourite music.

Step 1: Swipe from left to right in the Instagram app from the home screen to visit the camera section.

Step 2: Make a background using text or by selecting a photo.

Step 3: Tap on the sticker icon on the top.

Step 4: Select the Add Yours Music sticker.

Step 5: Tap on ‘+’ to add your music.

Step 6: Tap on Done and share it.

Apart from this, Instagram is also making the Cutouts feature available to more people. The feature lets users create stickers out of photos and post them on Stories. You can access the feature while creating a story by tapping on the sticker option.